As fantasy football draft day approaches, fantasy managers should beware of players who are in danger of underachieving. Whether it’s the potential for diminished performance or a heightened risk of injury, sometimes it’s best to take a safer player over one with a potentially higher ceiling.
TOP 200: Overall player rankings for 2024 fantasy drafts
CHEAT SHEET: How the players stack up at each position
Here are some of this season’s biggest potential busts at each position. They should be avoided at their current average draft position and taken only at a deep discount. (ADPs from all August drafts, courtesy of NFFC)
QUARTERBACK
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (ADP: 124, QB 18): Despite his physical talent, there’s just too much downside: A run-heavy system, shaky targets and he recently suffered midfoot injury in training camp.
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RUNNING BACK
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (ADP: 19, RB 7): He’s landed on injured reserve in each of his first two seasons (both times with ankle injuries). He’s also coming off biggest workload of his football life (228 carries).
WIDE RECEIVER
Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (ADP: 36, WR 21): Just how many passes are available in Houston to support three top-25 ADP wide receivers? Overvalued is a fairer label for the 31-year-old veteran.
TIGHT END
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (ADP: 142, TE 16): Rookie QB Caleb Williams will have many better options when he looks to throw. That will make Kmet tough to play week to week.
KICKER
Evan McPherson, Bengals (K 8): Real-life value is greater than his fantasy worth. Bengals offense gives him a high extra point-to-field goal ratio. His best season was only K12.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Miami Dolphins (D/ST 11): Several personnel concerns could result in fewer sacks than last season. New system may result in a slow start.
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